UK government to consult on banning unlicensed casino sponsorships in football
12 reported
The UK government is set to launch a consultation this week on banning unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring British sports teams, according to well-placed sources cited by The Guardian. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had said in February that a review would begin in spring, but progress stalled until now. The delay allowed Everton FC to sign a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with the unlicensed crypto casino Stake.com, ignoring Gambling Commission guidance urging clubs to reconsider such agreements. Stella David, chief executive of Ladbrokes owner Entain, wrote to gambling minister Baroness Twycross in early June warning that sponsorship deals with unlicensed firms were likely being finalized. A senior industry source called on Andy Burnham, a lifelong Everton fan and vocal gambling critic, to condemn the deal. The consultation will seek expert opinion on closing the legal loophole that currently allows unlicensed casinos to sponsor British clubs. A government spokesperson stated that it is not right for unlicensed operators to sponsor major football clubs and that a ban is being considered. The UK government is set to launch a consultation this week on banning unlicensed gambling operators from sponsoring British sports teams, according to well-placed sources cited by The Guardian. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had said in February that a review would begin in spring, but progress stalled until now. The delay allowed Everton FC to sign a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with the unlicensed crypto casino Stake.com, ignoring Gambling Commission guidance urging clubs to reconsider such agreements. Stella David, chief executive of Ladbrokes owner Entain, wrote to gambling minister Baroness Twycross in early June warning that sponsorship deals with unlicensed firms were likely being finalized. A senior industry source called on Andy Burnham, a lifelong Everton fan and vocal gambling critic, to condemn the deal. The consultation will seek expert opinion on closing the legal loophole that currently allows unlicensed casinos to sponsor British clubs. A government spokesperson stated that it is not right for unlicensed operators to sponsor major football clubs and that a ban is being considered.
What’s reported
The DCMS said in February 2026 that a review of unlicensed gambling sponsorships would begin in spring, but progress stalled.
The consultation will be launched this week, according to well-placed sources.
Everton FC signed a three-year sleeve sponsorship deal with Stake.com, an unlicensed crypto casino.
Stake surrendered its UK licence last year amid a regulatory review.
The Gambling Commission warned sports teams that executives could face prosecution for promoting unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with British consumers.
Stake says it does not take bets in the UK.
The law does not currently prevent unlicensed casinos from sponsoring British clubs.
Stella David, CEO of Entain, wrote to gambling minister Baroness Twycross in early June urging government action.
David warned that some unlicensed casinos illegally take bets in the UK, profit international criminal networks, and deprive the Treasury of tax revenues.
A senior industry source called on Andy Burnham to condemn the Everton deal.
The Premier League and government agreed voluntarily to ban front-of-shirt deals with casinos and sports books starting 2026-27.
A government spokesperson said the consultation will go live soon.
Key figures
Stella David, chief executive of Entain (Ladbrokes owner)
Baroness Twycross, gambling minister
Andy Burnham, mayor of Manchester and Everton fan
Bonnie Blue, porn actor
A senior industry source (anonymous)
A government spokesperson (anonymous)
Sources: The Guardian
